Place is personal, subjective, and important—and as you consider places to live in Mexico, Mexperience helps you to consider your choices and shortlist locations that may suit your lifestyle needs.

Discover places to live, work or retire in Mexico

To help you discover and explore potential places to live here, Mexperience publishes a curated list of locations to consider for living, working or retirement in Mexico—organized by popularity and notoriety and classified by the location type.

Our articles introduce you to key places where many foreign residents live now, emerging locations that are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents, as well as those places that are less well known, or situated off-the-beaten path. We also publish a selection of detailed guides of places to live in Mexico:

The most popular places to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have for a long time, or in recent times, garnered considerable popularity with foreign residents (retirees and others) and have active communities of interest established at the location.

Emerging locations to live in Mexico

Discover locations that have, in recent years, been catching the attention of foreign residents and have fledgling or developing communities of interest present there.

Underexplored locations to live in Mexico

Discover places that do not have significant numbers of foreign residents already established and are generally ‘off-the-beaten-path’ for most foreigners considering Mexico for living and retirement. These places can offer attractions that may be of interest to some potential foreign residents and retirees seeking someplace more traditional, unusual, and with a lower concentration of foreign residents living there.

Detailed living guides

For detailed guides to selected places to live and work or retire, connect to our section with Guides to Living Places in Mexico

Playa del Carmen (often referred to as just “Playa” locally) was a little, unknown fishing village that was discovered by the traveler’s visiting Cancun and Cozumel and is now one of the fastest growing coastal towns in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen offers you the enjoyment of a simple beach holiday without the trappings and characteristics of a modern-day commercialized resort like Cancun. The tourist developments here are low-rise, taking into account the local environment, and giving playa a more charismatic and authentic Mexican feel. This is contrast to the highly commercialized resort experience which is common in places like nearby Cancun.

Playa del Carmen is quite a ‘young’ resort – in that it attracts a lot of people in the twenty to thirty-something age range. They come here looking for a comfortable holiday; to swim, sunbathe, stroll along the wonderful beaches, listen to bands playing in the open air, and dance at a club at night.

The fine resort hotels, situated in Playa and along the rivera maya are some of the finest in Mexico. They offer first-class facilities, great amenities, world-class service and a perfect environment to enjoy a vacation. Some of the resorts are adult-only, and popular with people coming to Mexico for a honeymoon. Many others are family-oriented, and are hugely popular for family vacations, especially during the Easter and Summer holidays as well as Christmas and New Year.

Playa has some excellent boutique craft shops that will offer you the opportunity to buy something quite unique to take home with you. See the section on what to buy in Playa del Carmen for details.

A definite advantage of Playa del Carmen is its geographical location: It is close to Cozumel, Cancun, and all of the fabulous archaeological parks in the area, so it makes an ideal base if you want to visit all of the main towns and resorts in this part of Mexico. There are also a number of eco and adventure tourism options to opt for – see Key Attractions for details.

Playa del Carmen is also part of the famous Riviera Maya – a stretch of towns and villages situated along beautiful beaches which extend from the southern edges of Cancun as far south as Tulum. You can read about the Riviera Maya in Key Attractions on this guide and also browse hotels, resorts and spas in the Riviera Maya region here on Mexperience.

Key Attractions

Relaxing, Sunbathing

Playa del Carmen today is a relaxing place – if you want to unwind, then this region of Mexico will make an ideal location for you. Choose Playa del Carmen when you want peace and tranquility on a beach sunbathing; or to take quiet strolls along soft, white sands with the cool waters of the Caribbean lapping your feet.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s top destinations for Sports Fishing – especially deep sea fishing! Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Diving & Snorkeling

Divers and people who want to snorkel come to Playa del Carmen to enjoy the great waters and excellent diving conditions.

Swimming with Dolphins

You can swim with the Dolphins on Isla Mujeres. Connect to the guide to Swimming with Dolphins in Mexico for details.

Other Water Sports

Sports Fishing and Kayak rental are the two other main activities people enjoy during a visit to Playa del Carmen. Connect to the guide to Watersports in Mexico for details.

Day Trips to Cozumel

You can catch the ferry across to the Island of Cozumel for a day. The ferry port is near the town’s main square and just a quick walk from the hotels.

Spas in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen and The Riviera Maya (see below) are host to some excellent Resort Spas. For more information about Spa experiences, and how to benefit from a magnificent health spa experience, connect to the Mexperience guide to Spas in Mexico.

Nature and Adventure Tours

A number of nature and adventure tours are easily accessible from Playa del Carmen (and Riviera Maya). Tours include visits to the nearby Xel-Ha and Xcaret natural water parks, as well as tours to visit nearby Cenotes (water caverns) as well numerous archaeology parks. See Also: Nature & Adventure in Mexico

Archaeology Parks

Nearby Playa del Carmen you’ll find an extensive choice of Maya ancient cities, converted into archaeology parks open to the public. Nearby parks include Tulum, which overlooks the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Coba, and Chichen Itza, voted as one of the “new wonders” of the world.

Xel-Ha National Park

Day-trips to Xel-Ha are readily available and very convenient from Playa del Carmen and resorts along the Riviera Maya. Xel-Ha is a national park which has been converted into a water theme park built around a collection of natural lagoons and inlets. The park offers a range of water activities, primarily based around snorkeling, although you can also float down the river in a ring, dive under water without tanks (they connect hoses to a helmet) and swim with dolphins (this costs extra and space is limited, so arrive early if you want to do this). There are also five restaurants and a bar which you can eat and drink at free if you paid the all-inclusive price.

Playa del Carmen is Part of The Riviera Maya

The 125km stretch of coastline that stretches from the southern edge of the resort town of Cancun, through Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, finishing at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is known as the Rivera Maya.

About The Riviera Maya

A number of small towns and villages, nature parks, resorts and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum feature along the edge of this coast. Besides the well known and developed areas of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the coast’s four other main points of interest are:

Puerto Morelos – as yet an undeveloped quiet village, perfect for a break away from the crowds and commercialism surrounding Cancun.

Akumal – one of the least commercialized areas of this coastline, Akumal offers the perfect place to relax away from the hype and bustle of Cancun and other commercially developed areas. The location has a high number of holiday houses for rent, making it a popular place for families and couples who want to enjoy the experience and economy of a self-catering rental holiday.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere is located between Tulum and Akumal and is a federally protected reserve that features freshwater canals, tropical forests, mangrove wetlands, lagoons, prairies and a 70-mile long barrier reef – the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Costa Maya – the area south of the Sia Ka’an Biosphere to the coast off Belize. The area holds attractions for SCUBA divers and sports fishing, although the beaches themselves are not as attractive as the ones further up the coast if you’re looking for swimming, bathing and strolling opportunities.

Getting There & Around

By Air – Playa del Carmen has an airstrip that handles small charter aircraft and private air taxis. AeroCaribe, the main local small aircraft operator, has an office near the airstrip. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – Local buses and suburban vans carrying holiday makers and their luggage comfortably, travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and back daily on a regular basis. The suburban vans “Collectivos” are white and offer excellent value for money, carrying up to 10 passengers and their luggage comfortably for just a few dollars each. You can board them from their base near the bus stations at both Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Long distance buses connect Cancun with Merida, all main sities on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas, the Gulf Coast and Mexico City. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – You can drive to Playa del Carmen from Cancun by taking Highway 307. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s provincial towns and cities — including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions near them — consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Tricycle Taxis – In certain areas of town, only tricycle taxis are allowed. They will take you and your luggage very efficiently to your hotel, or to the ferry that crosses to Cozumel.

On Foot – Most of Playa del Carmen is accessible on foot; and for exploring the local area, walking around is by far the best way to experience Playa del Carmen.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Most of Playa del Carmen’s banks with ATM machines are found downtown on Avenida 5. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a good place to buy arts and crafts and unique curios that you will not find elsewhere. There is a selection of shops in town around the main plaza. In recent years, the art and craft outlets have been raising their game; they are now offering tourists fine examples of locally and and nationally produced, hand crafted works; effectively undergoing a transition from being tourist craft outlets into specialist craft boutiques.

Local Climate

The climate in Playa del Carmen is very much like that of Cancun: Hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world – and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season on the Riviera Maya, and the weather remains quite hot during these times, which attracts many “snow birds” from northern USA and Canada and Western Europe for winter warmth and sunshine.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

About 80 miles (129 km) south of Cancún is the small town of Tulum that has in recent years evolved into a trendy and chic beach destination offering some very fine hotels, spas, restaurants and boutique shops.  It’s also known for its iconic ruins, which overlook turquoise colored waters and soft sandy beaches on the Mexican Caribbean coast.

Tulum was built during the dying days of the Mayan empire, and was actually a fort. It’s quite tame in comparison to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, but it does have one overwhelming attraction: its location next to the sea.

You can come here for a day, enjoy the ruins and then walk down to the great beaches and crystal-clear water for sunbathing, paddling, swimming or snorkeling.

Just 15 minutes’ away from Tulum is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO listed and federally protected area which is more than 2,000 square miles in size. You can find out more about this in the section below about the Riviera Maya, of which Tulum is part.

Tulum is part of the Rivera Maya; the nearby town of Tulum has undergone a transformation in recent times, and is now an exclusive destination featuring upscale hotels, fine restaurants, and boutique stores.

Key Attractions

Archaeological Areas

El Castillo (The Castle) is the largest of the buildings, and it overlooks the coast on the cliff edge.

Templo del Dios Descendente – (Temple of the Descending God) depicts a diving figure, (looks like a bee) and is the same figure you can see depicted at other Mayan sites, including Cobá.

Templo de los Frescos – Temple of Frescoes dates back to the mid 1400s, and is a two-story building with colorful murals on the inner wall. It is thought to have been one of the last structures built by the Maya before the arrival of Hernan Cortez.

Tulum is Part of The Riviera Maya

The 78 miles (125 km) stretch of coastline that runs from the southern edge of the resort town of Cancún, through Playa del Carmen and the Mayan ruins of Tulum, finishing at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is known as the Riviera Maya.

About The Riviera Maya

A number of small towns and villages, nature parks, resorts and the Mayan Ruins of Tulum lie along this coast. Besides the well known and developed areas of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the coast’s four other main points of interest are:

Puerto Morelos – as yet an undeveloped quiet village, perfect for a break away from the crowds and commercialism surrounding Cancún.

Akumal – one of the least commercialized areas of this coastline, Akumal offers the perfect place to relax away from the hype and bustle of Cancún and other commercially developed areas. The location has a high number of holiday houses for rent, making it a popular place for families and couples who want to enjoy the experience and economy of a self-catering rental holiday.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere is located between Tulum and Akumal and is a federally protected reserve that features freshwater canals, tropical forests, mangrove wetlands, lagoons, prairies and a 70-mile (113 km) long barrier reef – the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Costa Maya – the area south of the Sia Ka’an Biosphere to the coast off Belize. The area holds attractions for SCUBA divers and sports fishing, although the beaches themselves are not as attractive as the ones further up the coast if you’re looking for swimming, bathing and strolling opportunities.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Tulum is located about 80 miles (129 km) south of Cancun and just a short car or bus ride (45 minutes) away from Playa del Carmen. Take Highway 180 south along the coast to Tulum. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Bus – Regular buses and mini vans make the trip from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to the town of Tulum and the ruins alongside the coast. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

Tulum Essentials (Archaeology Park)

Opening Days & Times: Open 7 Days between 8 am to 5 pm. Modest admission charges apply and there are concessions for students, children and seniors.  On Sundays, admission is free for Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency).

Avoid the Crowds: Tulum’s archaeology park is a big tour-bus destination. If you want to miss the crowds, then you’ll need to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We recommend you experience the archaeological site during the early morning, before the crowds and the high heat of the day.  If you’re looking for a special travel experience, you might combine the visit with a stay at one of the fine hotels/spas situated in the town of Tulum.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held photographic and video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Mexico Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes with a non-slip sole. Take your swimming gear and snorkeling equipment if you want to enjoy the refreshing waters off the beach at Tulum, next to the ruins.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities: Merida

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya Resorts

Also nearby: Xel-Ha Water Park – See the Pictures of Xel-Ha

Other Nearby Archaeological Sites: Chichen Itza, Coba, Uxmal

Local Climate

The local climate is the same as it is for nearby Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

This region is hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world, and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season here, and quite hot, although evenings can be cooler, so a warm pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these months.

Dress with light clothes that enable your skin to breathe. Bring sun screen, insect repellent and a hat. Carry plenty of water and stay well hydrated at all times.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

The State of Quintana Roo, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, hosts Mexico’s most visited beach side resort: Cancun (pronounced “Kan-KOON”).

Over two million people flock to the shores of Cancun annually, and there is good reason for this. The local environment is stunning; the beaches along the Riviera Maya are pristine and the sea here is perfect for swimming and water activities; added to this, within a short traveling distance visitors can find themselves at the heart of some of the most breathtaking archaeological wonders of the world.

Cancun is a traditional commercialized resort destination. The island is now connected on both sides with bridges and all along the main avenue (Avenida Kukulcan) you’ll discover a plethora of hotels and resorts, shops, restaurants, bars and night spots – in essence – all of the ingredients you’ll ever need for that no-hassle, chill-out and relax holiday in pleasant surroundings and fine weather.

Cancun is easy for foreigners to travel around. Everyone speaks English; you’ll see names and brands that you are familiar with at home, and everything is catered for. Cancun is the place to come if you’re looking for a hassle-free holiday and that also offers the opportunity to discover some archaeological wonders left behind by the Mayas.

Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are all nearby, and you can discover these places individually with Mexperience. The archaeological wonders at Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba are three of the main historical attractions in the area. A little further away, but well worth the trip if you have the time and inclination, is the colonial city of Merida and nearby archaeological site of Uxmal — one of the most attractive of all ancient ruins in Mexico.

If you’re planning a honeymoon in Mexico then Isla Mujeres is quieter, less commercialized and more exclusive. Some honeymooners spend a week in Cancun and a week on the island of Isla Mujeres for variety of atmosphere.

The fact that so many people travel to Cancun — and keep going back — is a testimony to its magnetic appeal. If you’re looking for something quieter or more exclusive in a resort, then explore Punta de Mita, Costa Alegre, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido (these are situated on Mexico’s Pacific coastline) instead.

Cancun has a lot to offer tourists. If you’re looking for some easy-to-arrange fun at some of Mexico’s best hotels and resorts —coupled with wonderful beaches and all within easy reach of Mayan ruins — consider Cancun.

Key Attractions

Cancun’s Beaches

The choice to develop Cancun as a tourist atrraction was due in no small part to its dreamy tropical beaches. However hurricane Wilma in 2005 swept away many of the tourist beaches, leaving behind thin strips of sandy shore where before there were wide bands of beach area. There have been efforts to reconstruct the beaches and replace the sand, but human engineering can’t match that of mother nature. Resorts which once could boast ample beachfronts have tried to compensate for the diminished sand by adding pools and gardens to their properties to enhance the ambience and provide outdoor ocean-facing facilities. You can still enjoy a wonderful experience in Cancun; the waters are still turqoise and picturesque and the destination offers a wide variety of amenities which extend beyond beach life. If you absolutely must have an ample beach to walk on, sunbathe and swim from, consider nearby Playa del Carmen Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Tulum.

Diving and Snorkeling

If you want to SCUBA dive or just snorkel in the clear shallow waters and see the coral and fish, Cancun has ideal waters for both. The corals, shallow reefs and sheer diversity of marine life make Cancun one of top resorts world-wide for divers and snorkelers. Of particular note is the Gran Arrecife Maya (Great Mesoamerica Reef), which is one of the largest reefs in the whole world.

If you want to learn how to SCUBA dive, Cancun is an excellent place to learn, and there are plenty of operators who will help to get you started. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe under water, give SCUBA diving a try on your visit to Cancun—very few forget this wonderful experience. For experienced SCUBA divers in particular, the Island of Cozumel offers better facilities and is THE place to dive in this region of Mexico.

Spas in Cancun

Cancun is host to a number excellent resort spas. For more information about spas and how to benefit from a magnificent spa experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience guide about Spas in Mexico for full details and to browse spas in Cancun.

Water Sports

If you’re looking for fun on the water, whether it’s pedal power or motor-power, Cancun offers you choice, variety and expertise in all things water-based. The lagoon to the west of Cancun (Laguna Nichupe) offers sailboats, jet-skis, windsurfing and other water-sport equipment for rent. Deep-sea fishing is also a popular activity here. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Cancun is one of Mexico’s top destinations for deep sea sports fishing – especially in the waters around nearby Cozumel. See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

‘Jungle’ Tour on Water

Ride through Cancun’s mangrove estuaries on a small motorized boat, leading out into Mexico’s Caribbean sea and reefs. You rent your own boat, and see the sights at your own pace (payment is by the hour). You can stop your boat and dive into the shallow waters to snorkel around the reefs and local marine life there. The operators provide snorkeling equipment and refreshments for you to take with you, included in the price. It’s a great way to see this magical part of the world!

Local Boat Cruises

Regular excursions are available to Isla Mujeres: Connect to Isla Mujeres with Mexperience for more information about the island. You can get to the island by:

• Shuttle Boat – from Playa Linda or Playa Tortuga
• Water Taxi – (fast, but more expensive) from Xcaret Terminal
• Public Ferry – from Puerto Juarez
• Pleasure Boat – see below.

Pleasure boat cruises are a great and popular way to see Cancun from the sea and also to visit the surrounding islands, including Isla Mujeres. Some pleasure boats have glass bottomed hulls and travel slowly over the shallow reefs.

Swimming with Dolphins

You can swim with the dolphins from nearby Isla Mujeres. Connect to the Mexperience guide to Isla Mujeres for details.

Bird’s Eye View of Cancun… by Helicopter

You can buy your own “customized” air tour of Cancun and surroundings, with flights available days and evenings, weather conditions permitting. See the blues and greens of the spectacular sea here; the pristine beaches, the Mayan ruins and much more – from the air.

Horseback and ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Riding

Experience the thrill of horseback riding and visit some of the most scenically pleasing areas around Cancun, including Mayan ruins, caves, natural springs and stunning beaches! These packages last about 5 or 6 hours and provide an exhilarating way to experience the area around Cancun. Check with your local hotel for details.

Xel-Ha National Park

Day-trips to Xel-Ha are readily available and very convenient from Cancun. Xel-Ha is a national park which has been converted into a water theme park built around a collection of natural lagoons and inlets. The park offers a range of water activities, primarily based around snorkeling, although you can also float down the river in a ring, dive under water without tanks (they connect hoses to a helmet) and swim with dolphins (this costs extra and space is limited, so arrive early if you want to do this). There are also five restaurants and a bar where you have unlimited food and drink if you paid the all-inclusive price.

Golfing in Cancun

Cancun has some spectacular golf courses and offers the ideal climate for golf. Many people travel to Cancun for the great golf available here; many courses are affiliated with, or owned by, key hotels in the area.

Archaeology Parks

Nearby Cancun you’ll find an extensive choice of Mayan ancient cities, converted into archaeology parks open to the public. Nearby parks include Tulum, which overlooks the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Coba, and Chichen Itza, voted as one of the “new wonders” of the world.

Getting There & Around

By Air – Cancun’s international airport is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, receiving frequent flights from the US, Canadian and European cities. From Mexico, you can fly to Cancun from Mexico City. The airport is 9 miles (16 km) south west from the city center and 6 miles (10 km) from the hotel zone. Ground transportation options, including taxis, rental cars and shuttles, are available from the airport. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Cancun on a luxury bus from Mexico City – but the trip will take around 24 hours. Flying is the most sensible way to get to Cancun, unless you are on a budget and don’t mind the wait (and want to see the sights along the way). For local bus transportation within Cancun, see paragraph below. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Cancun from Mexico City is recommended only if you have a good reason to go by road – for example, you want to stop and see places on the way; the drive from the capital to Cancun takes 24-30 hours and will require at least one overnight stop en route. A fast and efficient toll road connects Cancun to the colonial city of Merida, and there is an excellent road network around the Yucatan region enabling you to explore this unique and vibrant region of Mexico beyond the commercial beach resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s provincial towns and cities—including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions nearby them —consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Local Buses – Local buses run a 24 hour service up and down the main Avenida Kukulcan; they are regular, clean, comfortable and very efficient; they are also air-conditioned and very inexpensive. You can also ride executive style minibuses and vans to nearby places like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza; these options work out considerably less expensive than hiring a taxi to these areas.

Taxis – Taxis from Cancun Airport into town or other destinations can be quite expensive compared to comparable rides in other parts of Mexico. Check prices before getting in. In most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Warning About Mopeds – Mopeds can zip you around Cancun, but beware – they can be dangerous too. You may want to consider a safer alternative (like an open air Jeep) which will be more expensive, but safer. See car rental, above, for details.

Cancun Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Most of Cancun’s Banks with ATM machines are found on Avenida Tulum. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Airport Transfers: Ground transportation from the airport to your accommodations in Cancun can be arranged in advance with online booking companies, for example with eTransfers.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Safety in Cancun: Cancun is a very safe place at all hours. There is very little crime in Cancun, although petty theft on beaches is as common as in any other tourist spot – so don’t leave your gold watch on the beach for others to check the time with while you’re not looking! Car break-ins are becoming more common; once again, common sense (not leaving valuables in the car / in view) will minimize the already small risk of this happening to you.

Beach Safety: Some of Cancun’s beaches are exposed to the open sea, making some of the undercurrents particularly strong. Cancun’s hotels and beaches run a consistent flag color system to advise tourists of sea conditions. Observe the flags, act accordingly and you’ll be fine:

• White Flag – Excellent Sea Conditions – go and have fun!
• Green – Normal Sea Conditions – safe to swim!
• Yellow – Changeable sea conditions – practice caution!
• Black or Red – Unsafe / Danger – head for the pool!

Remember that sea conditions can change while you’re out swimming, so keep and eye on the flag colors back on the beach.

What to Buy in Cancun

There is an advantage to shopping in Cancun – especially for people living in Europe. Quintana Roo, the state in which Cancun is situated, is a duty-free zone in Mexico. This means that bargains may be obtained on luxury items like expensive perfumes, jewelry, cosmetics and the like. Large value items should be declared on your return to your home country – see Customs Allowances in the Mexico Essentials Section

There are lots of shopping centers, malls, open air markets, crafts centers, clothes and fashion stores and more in Cancun; you can literally shop until you drop… or shop until you get too tired and need to get back to your sun lounge on the beach.

Local Climate

Cancun is hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season in Cancun and quite hot; evenings can be cooler, so a warm pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these times.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Cozumel (“Coh-zoo-mel”) is Mexico’s original “Caribbean” destination; an island about 40 miles (64km) south of Cancun and Mexico’s largest Caribbean island with a total land area of approximately 308 square miles (798 sq km).

Cruise ships make regular stops at the port, and as a result of this, the island itself ranks among one of the most visited tourist places in the world.

There is only one main town on the island—San Miguel de Cozumel. During the daytime when the cruise ships are docked, the town becomes quite busy; at night, when the cruise ships pull away, the feel and atmosphere of Cozumel changes remarkably.

Less than five percent of the island is developed; and most of the undeveloped land is rugged jungle with quiet, deserted beaches.

The main beaches and beach resorts are about 10 miles (16km) outside of the town on the south side of the island. When you choose where to stay in Cozumel, there are two broad choices: you can either stay in or near the town center, or you can go out of town and stay at one of the resorts along the beach.

Besides quiet relaxation, a few small Mayan ruins and some general water sports, diving and snorkeling are the main attractions here, and this is directly attributed to the fact that there are around 100 dive sites that are recognized as being of world-class standard—some deep enough for SCUBA divers and some shallow enough for snorkeling.

Without doubt, Cozumel is a diver’s paradise, and if you are a diver or you want to learn how to dive, Cozumel should feature in your Mexico itinerary.

If you’re seeking non-water based activities, then Cancun or Playa del Carmen on the mainland will probably be a better base, although boat excursions to the mainland archaeological parks in the area are available from Cozumel.

If you want to spend your holiday diving, snorkeling and relaxing away from the commercialized resort scene of Cancun, with occasional easy access to more active pastimes a short ferry ride away on the mainland, the island of Cozumel may be just what you are looking for.

Even if you don’t stay on the island, excursions or short stays on Cozumel are available from Cancun and Playa del Carmen; you can read about these in the Getting There and Around section on this guide.

Key Attractions

Beaches on Cozumel

There are many great beaches and beach clubs on the island of Cozumel, such as Chankanaab National Park (see below), Paradise Beach, Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar. These beaches can be found about 5-10 miles (8-16 km) south of the main town and cruise ship piers.

The east side of the island has a more rugged coastline and offers miles of quiet windswept beaches. See ‘Eastern Shore of Cozumel’ below.

If you’re looking for water sports equipment (e.g. sailing boats and windsurfing) then head out to east side of the island to the Playa Bonita Beach Club where you’ll find operators providing what you’ll need. See Diving and Snorkeling, below.

Diving and Snorkeling

If you want to SCUBA dive or just snorkel in the clear shallow waters and see the coral and fish, Cozumel has some of the best waters in the world to experience this activity! If you have never SCUBA dived before, then Cozumel is a great place to learn. There are hundreds of dive operations offering well-priced and well-organized courses here. See Also: Water Sports in Mexico.

The Eastern Shore of Cozumel

You can’t swim on this side of the island – not safely, anyway. The waves pound the rocky shoreline and curl back, creating powerful undertows.

The view, however, is magnificent, and the road that hugs the edge of the coast is a great scenic route, begging to be seen, experienced and enjoyed!

People who drive along here often pull over and park to gaze out across the shore and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the area. There are some restaurants along the route too, waiting to serve you the fresh catch of the day or a refreshing fruit juice cocktail. You will see and hear wildlife everywhere in this area; exotic birds and big iguanas greet visitors on their tour along this amazing shoreline.

Boat Cruises from Cozumel

Touring boat trips are available for those who want to explore some of the waters around the island. Some tours can include stops that allow you to dive off and snorkel around the luscious waters; others stop at beautiful remote beaches and serve a nice lunch. Glass hulled boats are also on offer; these cruise around the shallow reefs and give you a window into the marine world surrounding Cozumel.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Cozumel is one of Mexico’s top destinations for sports fishing – especially deep sea fishing! See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Chankanaab National Park

At the center of this park—and the pride of the island’s local people— there is a land-locked pool (cenote) connected by an underground tunnel to the sea. The name Chankanaab loosely translates to mean “little sea”, named after the natural pool.

You can snorkel in the sea and the beach at the park is wonderful—one of the best on the island; it’s perfect for sunbathing. Entrance to the water is by means of stone steps. You’ll find restaurants, toilets and a few shops here, too.

Some natural gardens, home to sub-tropical plants from over twenty countries (450+ species), surround the lagoon, and nice pathways have been constructed, along with some replica Mayan statues and ‘ruins’, to complete the setting. The park is open every day from 8am and closes around 5pm.

Mayan Ruins

The San Gervasio (pronounced “Her-vah-sio”) ruins, which date back to 100 BC, can be found on Cozumel; they, like all of the other archaeological sites in the area, are very popular with visitors from all over the world.

Mayan women made a pilgrimage to the temple here as it was thought that Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, resided locally and would help them to conceive if they trotted across to visit the island from the mainland. All Mayan women tried to make at least one pilgrimage here from the mainland at some point in their life.

These ruins have more symbolism than majesty about them, unlike some of the mainland Mayan ruins which have both. Half of the fun of this excursion is getting there. Don’t expect to see the most amazing ruins ever—you won’t. What you will see is a modest temple that was extremely significant to women, especially during the days of the Mayan civilization.

You can pay a tour guide to show you around, or you can buy a guidebook locally and walk around yourself. If you don’t want to drive to the ruins (or you don’t have transport) you can rent a cab for a fee; he/she will wait while you tour and take you back to San Miguel.

Day Excursions to the Mainland

Trips to Playa del Carmen and Xcaret and Xel-Ha water parks and the ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba are easily accessible and very popular. Day trips can be arranged in advance and tend to start at around 9am, returning you back to the Island in time for dinner at around 6pm.

Getting There & Around

By Air – A limited number of domestic and international flights, as well as some smaller charter airlines, fly into here. Flights to Cancun are more plentiful and often cheaper. The Cozumel airport is about 2 mile (3 km) north of downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. Take the airport colectivo vans (buy your ticket at the terminal) into town; they drop off at the two main “hotel zones” in Cozumel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines in Mexico. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Transfers: If you’re arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Airport Transfer services are available from all of Mexico’s key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable suburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Transfer.

By Bus – From Cancun International airport, you can take a bus to Playa del Carmen then take the passenger ferry to Cozumel. See By Ferry, below.

By Car – The Car Ferry from Puerto Morelos (a few miles north of Playa del Carmen) is less frequent and takes longer to cross. Car parking is difficult in Cozumel, so unless you really have to, leave your car on the mainland and take the passenger ferry.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s provincial towns and cities — including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions nearby them — consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Ferry – You can travel to Cozumel on a passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen, or if you have a car, drive to Puerto Morelos for the Passenger/Car Ferry (limited services – check locally). During daytime hours, passenger ferries from Playa del Carmen depart just about every hour. Check locally on timetables as they are subject to change and also check the time of the last ferry back. The ride takes around 45 minutes each way.

By Foot – Most of the San Miguel downtown area is accessible on foot; but if you want to visit other areas of the island like the natural park, the beach clubs and the ruins, you’ll need to hire a taxi or rent a car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Warning About Mopeds – Mopeds can zip you around Cozumel, but beware – they can be dangerous too. We strongly recommend you consider the alternative: an open air Jeep, which will only be a little more expensive, but much safer.

Cozumel Essentials

Telephone: Cozumel’s telephone area code is 987. Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes

Exchanging Currency: Most of Cozumel’s Banks with ATM machines are found within the commercial center of the main town. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Diver’s Certificate: If you’re planning to dive beyond the depths of novice diving (i.e. beginner’s course), make sure you bring your diver’s certificate with you.

Recompression Chambers: Cozumel has several – inquire locally for details.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

What to Buy in Cozumel

Shopping in Cozumel features a lot of duty free items; clothing, jewelry, plus other ‘duty free’ goods are sold in abundance here, targeted principally at cruise ship holiday makers. If a cruise ship stays late (most leave early evening), these shops stay open until late. You can also find a few Mexican arts and craft shops here.

Local Climate

The climate in Cozumel is very much like that of Cancun: hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico because of the island breezes. August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world, and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months.

The rainy season is May through October. November through February is the high season and becomes quite hot, although evenings can be cooler, so a warm pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these months.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

In stark contrast to Cancun, Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a laid-back, simple and comfortable island where visitors go to relax and take part in a wide variety of water sports.

The feel here is tranquil, rustic and easy-going. You can count on the hotels being comfortable, without the commercialization of their Cancun counterparts.

People who travel to this island tend to live out an experience involving some water-based adventure or just relaxing completely on the island’s soft white beaches next to the deep turquoise-blue waters.

It’s also a top destination for honeymooners and couples who want to spend quality time together. Families do holiday here as well, although they tend to day-trip from the mainland as a week or two permanently on the island may prove a bit too quiet for the energetic.

Day-trippers from Cancun arrive on ferries during the day and make the island a hive of commercial activity as they wander around the town, shopping, eating, drinking and haggling with the numerous souvenir and crafts vendors. The beaches are also busier during the peak daytime hours as they too, fill up with the day-trippers. But when the evening ferries leave, the island calms down and returns to its natural serene and tranquil state.

If you want to experience a fervent night life, glitzy hotels and a faster pace, stay in Cancun, across the water. But if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a place to relax, unwind, dive, snorkel, swim and enjoy some wonderful sight-seeing, silky white sand beaches, accompanied by a tranquil and restful atmosphere then head for Isla Mujeres.

Key Attractions

Isla Mujeres Beaches

Now called Playa Norte, this beach is the best (and most popular) on Isla Mujeres. Soft, white sand and turquoise-blue waters greet you and set the perfect scene for sunbathing, swimming and relaxation.

Honeymoons on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is one of the preferred destinations for couples going on honeymoon in Mexico. The island offers tranquility, privacy and a number of excellent hotels. Once the day trippers leave, the island’s character changes and becomes more serene and romantic. The island provides rest and intimacy as well as access to a number of activities and easy access to Cancun (a short ferry trip across the water) for more activities and day trips to places like Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba and Xel-Ha Water Park.

See Also: Weddings and Honeymoons in Mexico

Snorkeling

A good place to snorkel on Isla Mujeres is Playa Garrafon (see below for details) where you’ll be treated to views of brilliantly colored tropical fish. Another good place for snorkeling is the Machines Reef and Bahía Mujeres (Women’s Bay). Both locations require boat transport out, and this can be arranged locally.

Fishing from Isla Mujeres

Fishing trips can be arranged locally with the boatmen’s co-operative. The costs can be shared by grouping together with other people and include a boat & crew, equipment, bait, food and refreshments. See Also: Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Swim with Dolphins on Isla Mujeres

Isla mujeres offers you an opportunity to swim with doplhins in a specially-design sea-water enclosure—distinct from a swimming pool, where most doplhin swims take place. Consult the Mexperience Tours and Acitivies page (see below) for details and to make reservations. See Also: Swimming with Dolphins in Mexico.

Getting There & Around

Access to Isla Mujeres is by ferry from Cancun and other docks along the Rivera Maya. Ferries make frequent crossings and take only 15-20 minutes each way.

By Ferry – You can board a ferry to Isla Mujeres from five main places on the mainland:

• Puerto Juarez 1.5 miles north of Cancun (most common / popular)
• Punta Sam 3 miles north of Cancun
• Playa Linda at Cancun
• Playa Tortuga at Cancun
• Club Nautico Dock at Xcaret

Taxis – Taxis are not metered on the island, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Golf Carts – Many people on the island get around on golf carts; they are clean and quiet, and because the island is quite small, they are very effective. They are not expensive to rent and make an ideal vehicle to explore and get around the island during your visit. There are a number of special rental agencies along the main street, near the market.

Moped / Bicycle – As an alternative to a golf cart, you can also rent a moped or pedal bike to get around the island. Because the island’s traffic is limited, riding a bicycle is relaxed and safe.

Isla Mujeres Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of the island, close to the main port. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Busy Times: Because of its location and appeal, the tourist season on the island is a little different to that of other places on the Yucatan Peninsula. The most expensive months are December to the end of May. If you want to save money, go between June and November. The island can get quite busy during the daytime but calms down again in the evening and night when the day-trippers from the mainland and the nearby island of Cozumel leave.

Snorkel Safety at Playa Garrafon National Park: At times the water on the snorkeling reef at the national park can get a bit choppy, making snorkeling difficult or perhaps dangerous. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t venture out too far; although most of the reef is shallow, there are some steep drops.

What to Buy in Isla Mujeres

Ambulant vendors will be out in force trying to sell you an array of crafts including rugs, glassware, onyx and silver as you arrive on the island and as you wander around elsewhere. Isla Mujeres is not really a place to shop for anything specific other than jewelry (see below), although with all the eager ambulant salespeople, some bargains on Mexican arts and crafts can be struck—and prices can be lower than those in Cancun or Cozumel.

Isla Mujeres is known for its jewelry, and you could take home a fine piece of craftsmanship from here—be it a ruby, sapphire or diamond. Loose stones may be bought if you prefer and then crafted into fine gold and silver jewelry to your specification.

Local Climate

The climate on Isla Mujeres is very much like that of Cancun: hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. July through October is hurricane season in this part of the world, and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months. The rainy season is May through October.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico